Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis solution that is biochemically balanced to correct metabolic acidosis associated with chronic renal failure in a more physiological manner. The peritoneal dialysis solution has a physiological pH, e.g., pH of 7.0 to 7.4, and contains bicarbonate at a concentration that is found in normal blood. Additionally, the solution contains carbon dioxide at a partial pressure that is similar to partial pressure of carbon dioxide found in normal blood. The peritoneal dialysis solution also contains a weak acid with a pKa of less than 5.0.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis solution that is biochemically balanced to correct metabolic acidosis associated with chronic renal failure in a more physiological manner. The peritoneal dialysis solution has a physiological pH, e.g., pH of 7.0 to 7.4, and contains bicarbonate at a concentration that is found in blood involved in Additionally, the solution contains carbon dioxide at a partial pressure that is similar to partial pressure of carbon dioxide found in the blood capillaries. The peritoneal dialysis solution also contains a weak acid with a pKa of less than 5.0.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis solution comprising as osmotic agents approximately 2.0 to about 6.0% (w/v) maltodextrins and approximately 0.25 to about 2.0% (w/v) amino acids. The peritoneal dialysis solution will also include other components such as sodium, chloride, lactate, bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium.

Abstract: A radar highway motor vehicle guidance apparatus for guiding a land vehicle along a roadway using a backward looking and a forward looking, lateral position sensing, monopulse tracking radar guidance apparatus which transmits radar pulses backward and forward of the vehicle. The pulses are reflected back to the vehicle by a stripe distributed along the roadway. The stripe is a frequency selective surface which generates retro-reflective grating lobes at an operating frequency of the tracking radar. Operating the radar at two frequencies allows the radar to look at regions spaced at two different distances from the front of the vehicle. Highway related information may be encoded in the frequency selective surface by variations in the shape or dimensions of the frequency selective stripe morphology in order to modulate the reflected signal with highway information which is then also detected at the radar receiver.

Abstract: A radar highway motor vehicle guidance apparatus for guiding a land vehicle along a roadway using a forward looking, lateral position sensing, monopulse tracking radar guidance apparatus which transmits radar pulses forward of the vehicle. The pulses are reflected back to the vehicle by a stripe distributed along the roadway. The stripe is a frequency selective surface which generates retro-reflective grating lobes at an operating frequency of the tracking radar. Operating the radar at two frequencies allows the radar to look at regions spaced at two different distances from the front of the vehicle. Highway related information may be encoded in the frequency selective surface by variations in the shape or dimensions of the frequency selective stripe morphology in order to modulate the reflected signal with highway information which is then also detected at the radar receiver. Target discrimination is enhanced by using pseudo random codes and matching antenna polarization with stripe polarization.

Abstract: An improved peritoneal dialysis solution and methods of administering same to a patient are provided. Pursuant to the present invention, the sodium concentration in the solution is decreased thus causing sodium to be transported from the circulation to the peritoneal cavity. This provides for an improved ultrafiltration profile for the same initial osmolality when compared to standard solutions. Also, the same ultrafiltration profile as standard solutions can be achieved with lower initial osmolalities.

Abstract: An improved peritoneal dialysis solution comprising an osmotic agent having at least one amino acid, and a method of administering same to a patient are provided. Pursuant to the present invention, the sodium concentration in the solution is decreased thus causing sodium to be transported from the circulation to the peritoneal cavity. This provides for an improved ultrafiltration profile that is, more volume over a longer period of time, for the same initial osmolality when compared to standard solutions. Also, the same ultrafiltration profile as standard solutions can be achieved with lower initial osmolalities.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis solution and method of administering same to a patient are provided wherein the sodium concentration in the solution is decreased thus causing sodium to be transported from the circulation to the peritoneal cavity. This provides for an improved ultrafiltration profile (more volume over a longer period of time) for the same initial osmolality when compared to standard solutions. Also, the same ultrafiltration profile as standard solutions can be achieved with lower initial osmolalities. A reduced amount of osmotic agent can be used to achieve equivalent ultrafiltration.

Abstract: The invention provides dual-skinned membranes useful as one way or rectifying membranes which reduce back filtration of solute molecules in dialysis and which improve nutrient supply and product recovery in membrane bioreactors. The membranes are dual-skinned polymeric materials preferably in the form of hollow fibers. The membranes have skins of polymer on the opposite sides with differing permeability to solutes and sieving coefficient characteristics. The skin on each side have pores that are invisible at 10,000 times magnification, the microporous structure between said skins contains pores capable of retaining solutes in a molecular weight range of about 5000 to 200000 in an increased concentration between the interior and the exterior skins. Improved dialysis devices are formed by using bundles of the hollow fiber membranes as a dialysis means having rectifying properties.

Abstract: The invention employs dual-skinned membranes useful as one way or rectifying membranes which reduce back filtration of solute molecules in dialysis and which improve nutrient supply and product recovery in membrane bioreactors. The membranes are dual-skinned polymeric materials preferably in the form of hollow fibers. The membranes have sieving coefficient characteristics different for flow of liquids in one direction from that in the opposite direction. Improved dialysis devices are formed by using bundles of the hollow fiber membranes as a dialysis means having rectifying properties. Improved bioreactors are formed by using bundles of hollow fiber as a growth vessel having rectifying properties.